WOK has released MiniStepper, a free MIDI Step Sequencer Plug-in for Windows. Ministepper is designed to be easy to use.

There are 8 steps, each with velocity, gate length and mute. Several play directions, start- and end-step selectable on the fly. Sequence can be transposed by incoming MIDI notes (polyphonic). Host sync with dottet and triplet speed selection, swing, run on key press, MIDI-channels selectable for combined use, clear layout, free.

The Grassi Box is a MIDI-to-relay piece of hardware (built by Dan Wilson of Circitfied) based on an Arduino teensy and some accompanying software tools built in Max. The idea is to be able to control a variety of my ciat-lonbarde instruments from a computer.

In this video the audio from the guitar is being analyzed (in real-time) to find the nearest preset/combination/permutation from a set of 6884 pre-analyzed presets.

Novation has introduced the Launch Control XL – a new MIDI controller that they call ‘the ultimate controller for Ableton Live’.

According to Novation, the Launch Control XL helps you focus more on your music and less on your laptop, by providing 16 buttons, 24 knobs and eight faders, all of which integrate seamlessly with Live.

Features:

Hands-on control over Ableton Live

Tweak your sound using 24 knobs with multicoloured indicators

Precise control over levels with eight rugged faders

Create your own control layouts, by freely assigning any control to any function in Ableton

Future Retro has announced the release of two new products, the Zillion and Swynx.

The Zillion is a single track algorithmic MIDI sequencer based on the principles of the Triadex Muse. While the Muse used counters and a shift register to generate more than a million musical melodies, the Zillion expands on these ideas to add more features and functionality, providing a zillion possibilities for you to discover.

The Swynx is a sync box that converts incoming MIDI messages to MIDI clock, DIN sync, CR-78 clock, and Analog clocks. In addition, the Swynx provides the ability to swing the timing of all these clock outputs and select different time signatures in real-time with the front panel controls, and can also act as a programmer for the Roland CR-78.

Once you try it in your setup, you will realize just what you’ve been missing. For instance, many DIN sync devices do not provide a built-in swing function. And many MIDI sequencers and drum machines suffer from poor implementation of swing, preventing changes to be made live, or only providing swing for 4/4 patterns. Quite a few MIDI sequencers don’t offer any swing function, including our own 777 and Mobius products. Now you can apply swing to any MIDI sequencer, and select new time signatures as well.

Need to sync your analog sequencer or arpeggiator with MIDI gear? No problem! Not only can you do so, but now you can swing the timing of those devices as well. You can even use the analog clock output to Gate the envelopes in a synthesizer. The clock duty cycle is 50% of a note duration.

If you are a Roland CR-78 owner, you may have realized finding a WS-1 or TS-1 to program the CR-78 is next to impossible. The Swynx can replicate the programming capabilities of these units, plus provide sync to MIDI, and realtime swing adjustment. The ability to add swing to the CR-78’s preset patterns alone will breathe new life into this old friend.

The Swing value is accurate to 0.5% providing much more control resolution than is typically found in sequencers and drum machines.

The Swynx provides 12 different time signatures to choose from. Some time signatures are duplicate, but provide different shuffle patterns for that time signature. Time signatures include 9/8, 7/8, 6/8, 5/8, 2/4, 4/4, 8/4, 3/4, and 6/4. A universal power supply is provided with each unit, allowing the Swynx to be used anywhere in the world. The Swynx is all about making the gear you have sound better!

This product comes with a universal power supply and can be used anywhere in the world.

Each product is hand made in the USA, has a list price of $180, and is currently shipping.

A MIDI controlled Necktie. This is accomplished by leveraging the Pinoccio Mesh Networking features and a Max4Live patch running on Ableton Live. More details in here:http://mrbook.org/blog/2014/05/25/pin…

The MIDI controller works natively on Windows, OSX and iOS and doesn’t require external power. It features pitch bend, modulation, sustain and octave up & down keys as well as 25 velocity sensitive full-size keys, which transmit polyphonic aftertouch. You can configure it via a free software application for Win, Mac OS and iPad.

Maurizio De Cecco has released MidiBlob i- a performance oriented multi touch controller for the Waldorf Blofeld synthesizer.

This video is a demo of the MidiBlob for the Blofeld App on a nice arpeggiator based Blofeld patch. Right hand play the keyboard, not visible in the video, left hand use MidiBlob on the iPad to “play” the sound.

MidiBlob is a plug and play performance oriented multi touch controller for your Blofeld synthesizer. By manipulating a 3D scene (the Blob) with a set of very intuitive interaction MidiBlob can modify and control your synth sound to a depth that cannot be reached with traditional controllers. Filters, envelopes, modulations, wave characteristics are under direct control of your fingers, the iPad become an extension of your instrument. No configuration needed.

This video is a demo of the MidiBlob for the Blofeld App, used on a nice Blofeld Lead.
Right hand play the keyboard, not visible in the video, left hand use MidiBlob on the iPad to “play” the sound.